Derby Day Bar Cart + Frozen Mint Julep Punch Recipe

Happy Derby Day/Cinco de Mayo weekend, y’all! Did you know that the Kentucky Derby is now America’s longest-running sporting event? That’s crazy, y’all! Regardless of how much (or little) you know about the Kentucky Derby, tomorrow is every southerner’s favorite excuse for putting on fancy hats and throwing a party. Whether you’re hanging in Louisville or just watching at home with friends and neighbors, grab a mint julep and get ready for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. If you need a little party inspiration, I’m sharing a handful of hostess tips for assembling the perfect Derby Day bar cart, as well as my go-to frozen mint julep punch recipe, in today’s post!

Derby Day Bar Cart

The Derby is all about bourbon and juleps. When designing your Derby Day bar cart, lay it out like a mint julep station. Make sure got a variety of Kentucky bourbons on hand, like Woodford Reserve, which is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Maker’s Mark, and Four Roses. You’ll also want to have silver julep cups, straws, drink stirrers, ice, fresh mint, and and mint simple syrup (get my recipe here) handy, plus some simple finger snacks, like pecans. The Kentucky Derby is also famous for its red rose garland, so decorate with with extra roses in mint julep-style vases.

I got the idea to make these cute DIY mint julep kits from Pizzazzerie’s Entertain In Style book. Not only are they the ultimate Derby Day party favor, they look super cute displayed on party tables and bar carts, too.

Frozen Mint Julep Punch

If you like to putting spins on the traditional cocktails, you’ll love my go-to frozen mint julep punch recipe. I found it in Pizzazzerie’s Entertain In Style, and it’s become one of my all-time favorite drinks. Not only is it easy to make, you can prepare and freeze it days in advance. Just scoop and serve as guests arrive! Beware, though, that if you use real silver mint julep cups, guests may complain the cups are too cold to handle. I learned this personally from experience– and by that I mean my fingers almost got frostbite.

Keep reading for the printable recipe card. In the meantime, here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of frozen mint julep punch: